Though it might have overstayed its welcome, be it on Reddit or Quora, the debate continues to rage. It’s a topic that still drives fans, on either side of the fence, wild. Perhaps it may never settle: Is Floyd Mayweather the greatest of his generation? The thing is, in the Grand Rapids-born Olympian’s context, there’s an instant comparison. There’s another great against whom Mayweather tested his skills: Manny Pacquiao.
Invariably, the next poser follows: Who is the greatest between the two? So, during a discussion with David Benavidez, as he mulled over an array of topics with co-host Kamaru Usman, former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, Henry Cejudo shared his two cents on Mayweather’s GOAT status. The justification he presented may resonate with quite a few who often dispute one of boxing’s most prevalent narratives.
Floyd Mayweather: He’s great, but not the greatest in my eyes
The trio converged on the matter while discussing the controversial fight between Gervonta Davis, incidentally a former Floyd Mayweather protégé, and Lamont Roach Jr. Bringing forth an altogether different facet, Davis shocked the boxing world when he took a knee in the ninth round. That he wasn’t penalized for the infraction only added fuel to the fire. So against the grain, Kamaru Usman ‘wasn’t upset with the decision because it was a draw.’ Tank appeared distracted. However, fighters like him sometimes carry deep respect for someone they’ve faced many times in the amateur circuit, he reasoned. So Cejudo promptly interjected, “But you know what that is too, Kamaru? It’s f**king ego.” When Usman countered, “We need that,” Cejudo explained, “No, no, but there’s, remember, we’re talking about, there’s good ego, and there’s maybe, it’s pride. Everybody wants to leave the Floyd Mayweather route; they want to leave f**king undefeated, and that’s hurting the sport of boxing.”
Floyd Mayweather in action against Aaron Chalmers (not pictured) during their exhibition fight at The O2, London. Picture date: Saturday February 25, 2023. (Photo by Zac Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images)
And that’s precisely where things went wrong, according to him. “You’re not going to become a legend like that. It’s the same reason why I feel like Floyd Mayweather is not the greatest of all-time, greatest defensive boxer of all time—100%,” Cejudo stressed. For him, it was the fighters who went through the fire and took risks that sometimes resulted in losses that mattered the most. So in that regard, as boxing’s sole 8-division champion, Manny Pacquiao’s accomplishments far outweighed Mayweather’s. “I go back and I talk about Manny Pacquiao, 8-division world champ, like who the f**k has ever done that?” he said.
Now, what’s interesting is that Henry Cejudo tried the argument with another guest, who rated Floyd Mayweather an all-time great.
It’s worth hearing the flip side
As the show, which was aired nearly two months ago, drew to a close, Usman and Cejudo probed Terence Crawford on his ‘five pound-for-pound lists and then pound-for-pound greatest boxers ever.’ Naturally, as a Pacquiao fan, Cejudo contended, “I don’t think you could dispute this one, but then I’ll tell you… Manny Pacquiao.” However, a surprise lay in wait for him when Crawford revealed, “I don’t got Manny Pacquiao in top five.”
Boxing: Pacquiao vs Ugas, Aug 21, 2021 Las Vegas, Nevada Manny Pacquiao is pictured before the start of a world welterweight championship bout against Yordenis Ugas at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports, 21.08.2021 21:09:21, 16621698, Manny Pacquiao, Boxing, T-Mobile Arena PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStephenxR.xSylvaniex 16621698
The former undisputed champion acknowledged that Pacquiao was a generational talent. However, Crawford questioned whether the Filipino icon’s accomplishments were all natural or aboveboard. The timing of Pacquiao’s knockout drought after agreeing to drug testing raised red flags in Crawford’s view. “But I don’t feel like you know he did it on his own; that’s me personally, because for the simple fact when Floyd made it a point for him to do the blood test, he didn’t want to do the blood test, but then when he did do the blood test, he haven’t got a knockout since,” he said.
For the record, Crawford’s P4P all-time greatest included Sugar Ray Robinson, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, and Floyd Mayweather.
So there it goes, contrasting views on two of the greatest boxers of all time. Perhaps it will remain inconclusive for a great many years. But in a way, that’s good. Because the continued discussions will keep their memories alive.
What about you? Between Mayweather and Pacquiao, who is your greatest of all time?
The post “Floyd Mayweather Is Not the Greatest of All Time” – Manny Pacquiao Gets His Due in UFC Legend’s Clear Message appeared first on EssentiallySports.
